Led by Dennis DeSants, the new major in music creation and technology will emphasize electronic music production and performance, sound design, recording and editing, DJing, and software and hardware development. (University of Rochester Eastman School of Music photo)
The program builds on URochester’s growing leadership at the intersection of music, engineering, sound, and digital innovation.
The University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music has announced a new bachelor of music (BM) in music creation and technology, a degree program designed for students whose musical practice is grounded in electronic and digital technologies.
Led by Dennis DeSantis ’05E (DMA), associate professor of music and technology and former head of music learning at music software company Ableton, the new major will emphasize electronic music production and performance, sound design, recording and editing, DJing, and the development of software and hardware. The inaugural class will begin study in fall 2027.
The program is part of URochester’s newly established Department of Sound Arts and Engineering, an interdisciplinary academic collaboration between two leading URochester schools: Eastman and the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences. The department also serves as the academic home for faculty engaged in SoundSpace, a transdisciplinary research center advancing URochester’s leadership in music and technology.
Together, the new major, department, and research center reflect the inspiring combinations possible at URochester—where artistry, engineering, creativity, and emerging technologies come together to shape how music is made, studied, and experienced.
